Thousands more lined the streets around the city to cheer on those running in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which set off from Headingley Stadium this morning (Sunday).
The new marathon takes inspiration from fundraising challenges undertaken by Rob’s former teammate and friend Kevin Sinfield, who has worked alongside Rob and his family to raise awareness and funds to support those affected by the condition, with his various marathon challenges helping to raise millions.
There was a hugely emotional moment when Kevin picked up Rob from the specially-designed wheelchair that he had pushed him around the 26.2 mile course in and carried him over the finishing line.
Sunday’s event, plus the Leeds Half Marathon which also took place on Sunday, has already surpassed the £1m fundraising mark.
Below is a gallery of 30 pictures from an incredible day in Leeds:
. Rob Burrow Marathon
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon took place on Sunday Photo: Steve Riding
. Rob Burrow
There was a huge ovation for Rob Burrow and his friend Kevin Sinfield when they arrived at Headingley Stadium before the race started. Photo: Steve Riding
. Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield gave a rousing speech before the race started, saying: "Kevin said: “From doing all the work, the effort, the training, to rock up today in great shape and bring the sunshine with you, I can only thank you." Photo: Danny Lawson
. Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Lindsey Burrow
Kevin pushed Rob around the route in a specially modified chair while Rob's wife, Lindsey, also took part. Photo: Danny Lawson
. Best friends
Kevin has undertaken dozens of challenges to raise money and awareness of charities associated with Motor Neurone Disease Photo: Danny Lawson
. And they're off!
The first runners set off from Headingley Stadium shortly after 9am Photo: Steve Riding
. Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow get ready to start
Event organisers were inspired to stage the city’s first marathon in 20 years by Sinfield’s previous running challenges. Photo: steve ridin
. Thousands take part
12,000 took part in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Photo: steve ridin
. Huge demand
Sunday’s marathon was initially meant to have 7,777 places available but demand was such that organisers allowed more people in. Photo: Danny Lawson
. Lindsey Burrow
Lindsey Burrow, the wife of Rob Burrow, was taking part in her first marathon Photo: Danny Lawson
1. Rob Burrow Marathon
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon took place on Sunday Photo: Steve Riding
2. Rob Burrow
There was a huge ovation for Rob Burrow and his friend Kevin Sinfield when they arrived at Headingley Stadium before the race started. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield gave a rousing speech before the race started, saying: "Kevin said: “From doing all the work, the effort, the training, to rock up today in great shape and bring the sunshine with you, I can only thank you." Photo: Danny Lawson
4. Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Lindsey Burrow
Kevin pushed Rob around the route in a specially modified chair while Rob's wife, Lindsey, also took part. Photo: Danny Lawson
5. Best friends
Kevin has undertaken dozens of challenges to raise money and awareness of charities associated with Motor Neurone Disease Photo: Danny Lawson
6. And they're off!
The first runners set off from Headingley Stadium shortly after 9am Photo: Steve Riding